“This morning, Chairmen Waxman and Markey unveiled a discussion draft that is a starting point for the House’s work on comprehensive energy legislation. This step follows the commitment made in the President’s budget – as well as the budget we will consider this week in the House - to transition away from our dependence on foreign oil and invest in the development of cleaner and more efficient sources of energy.

“Energy legislation is critical in our efforts to rebuild the economy. Through this initiative we will help build a reliable market for private sector investment in energy technologies and development, create new ‘green collar’ jobs for American workers, and help households, communities and businesses use energy more efficiently and participate in the transition to a clean energy future.

“Over the next two months, Chairmen Waxman and Markey will be working with Congressman Dingell, Congressman Boucher, and all the members of the committee, to build broad consensus around final energy legislation with a goal of reporting a bill out of committee by Memorial Day.”